The Terracon Foundation recently announced it has awarded a number of grants to multiple colleges and universities across the country. The funds were granted to:

Auburn University: Auburn University received a $5,000 grant to support the Terracon Annual Graduate Award/Fellowship.

“Terracon has awarded these funds for the three previous years to provide fellowships to deserving graduate students with a concentration in geotechnical engineering,” said Matthew McCullough, P.E., geotechnical department manager in Terracon’s Gulf Coast Division, who championed the funding. “The fellowships will help foster excellence in the field of geotechnical engineering by helping to attract top students to the Auburn University Civil Engineering graduate program.”

Iowa State University: Iowa State University received a $10,000 grant to fund fellowships for students with an interest in geotechnical engineering.

“These funds have been awarded for three previous years and have provided fellowships to deserving graduate students with a concentration in geotechnical engineering,” said Jeff Magner, P.E., regional manager in Terracon’s Central Division, who championed the funding. “The fellowships will help foster excellence in the field of geotechnical engineering by helping to attract top students to Iowa State University’s civil engineering graduate program.”

Mercer University: Mercer University received a $2,500 grant to support the university’s American Society of Civil Engineers chapter.

“Mercer American Society of Civil Engineers is a growing chapter and in need of resources to support its development,” said Marlo Mecredy, intern in Terracon’s Gulf Coast division and current Mercer student, who championed the grant. “This grant will help our students purchase the necessary materials and create a workspace that will foster the progress of the chapter both now and in the future.”

Midlands Technical College: Midlands Technical College (MTC) received a $5,000 grant to support the university’s Civil Engineering Technology’s Materials Laboratory at Northeast Campus.

“Through the associate degree training, MTC’s civil engineering department prepares students to participate fully in the design, construction, and maintenance of civil infrastructure and the built environment,” said Bobby McLeod, P.E., senior project manager in Terracon’s Southeast division, who championed the grant. “Supporting the materials laboratory and keeping it updated to reflect the evolving engineering profession is vital to the growth of the Midlands' economy and the future of our field.”

Shippensburg University: Shippensburg University received a $5,000 grant to support the Shippensburg University - Center for Land Use and Sustainability.

“The Shippensburg University - Center for Land Use and Sustainability (CLUS) mission is to foster healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities through applied research, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary, cross-sector partnerships,” said Ben Berra, principal/department manager-natural resources in Terracon’s North East division, who championed the grant. “This grant will support CLUS in its vision to be a leader in transforming scientific research into social innovations that promote a thriving economy while preserving resources and reducing the impacts of climate change.”

Texas A&M University: Texas A&M University received a $10,000 grant to support the Terracon Fellowship in Civil Engineering.

“Texas A&M has a robust geotechnical engineering program that has consistently produced quality graduates, many of whom have become key members of Terracon,” said Kierstyn Burrell, P.E., senior associate and office manager in Terracon’s College Station office, who championed the grant. “This donation will increase Terracon’s current endowment, allowing additional high-performing students to pursue graduate studies in geotechnical engineering.”

Tennessee Technological University: Tennessee Technological University received a $2,500 grant for the Terracon Foundation Annual STEAM Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion.

“Tennessee Technological University’s College of Civil and Environmental Engineering has a stellar reputation of producing graduates with an excellent work ethic and the ability to problem solve,” said John Agee, regional manager in Terracon’s Gulf Coast division, who championed the grant. “With state budget cuts, funds for scholarships and classroom-enriching equipment have been minimal so this grant will help students attend college who otherwise may not be able to afford it.”

University of Washington: University of Washington received a $5,000 grant to support the Geotechnical Student Support Fund in Civil & Environmental Engineering.

“The University of Washington (UW) has one of the top-rated engineering colleges in the world and Terracon has hired more than 37 of its graduates, including 10 of my former students,” said David Baska, P.E., senior principal and vice president in Terracon’s West Coast division, who championed the grant. “The grant allows UW to recruit top candidates for graduate school, which in turn provides exceptional job candidates for the engineering field.”

Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech received a $5,000 grant to Virginia Tech to support Terracon Graduate Fellowships.

“Virginia Tech is a university that Terracon has identified for continued partnership development to attract both new hires and interns,” said Aaron Muck, P.E., geotechnical services assistant director in Terracon’s Eastern Midwest division, who championed the grant. “The grant allows Virginia Tech to continually expand their program and offer an education to excellent students that might not otherwise be afforded the opportunity.”

Wake Technical Community College: Wake Technical Community College (WTCC) received a $4,000 grant to support the Diversifying the STEM Workforce program.

“The success of Terracon’s Raleigh office relies on the ability to hire educated, talented employees, many of whom get their start and/or complete their degree at WTCC,” said Joe Starr, senior client development manager and principal in Terracon’s Southeast division, who championed the grant. “The grant money provided by the Terracon Foundation will have a significant impact on the ability of underserved students to afford the STEM programs.”